Description

A refreshing and crisp Cucumber Carrot Salad featuring thinly julienned vegetables tossed in a spicy, savory dressing with sesame seeds. This easy, no-cook recipe is perfect for beginners looking for a quick, healthy side that packs vibrant flavors and a satisfying crunch.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

1 large cucumber, washed, dried, and julienned
2 large carrots, washed, dried, and julienned

Dressing

1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tsp gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes)
1 tsp soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
½ tsp sugar (or substitute with maple syrup or agave)

Additional Ingredients

1 clove garlic, finely minced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tbsp sesame seeds, lightly toasted if desired

Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and dry both the cucumber and carrots thoroughly to prevent sogginess. Using a sharp knife or a julienne peeler, cut them into thin, long matchstick-like strips. Place the julienned vegetables into a large mixing bowl.
Mix the Dressing: In a smaller bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, gochugaru, soy sauce, and sugar or sweetener. Whisk vigorously for about 30 seconds until the dressing appears slightly pale and emulsified, ensuring the flavors blend and the oil doesn’t separate.
Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the bowl of julienned vegetables. Add the minced garlic and chopped parsley. Gently toss everything together using tongs or clean hands until each vegetable strip is evenly coated with the dressing.
Finish and Serve: Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the salad and give it one final gentle toss. Serve immediately for maximum crunch or let the salad sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

Pat and chill vegetables in advance to maximize crunch and reduce water content.
Adjust the level of gochugaru or substitute with smoked paprika and cayenne if unavailable.
This salad is best consumed fresh, within 30 minutes after tossing with dressing, to maintain crisp texture.
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container, drained of excess liquid, and consumed within 24 hours.
Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright flavor; adjust sugar according to the tartness of the lemon.
Perfect as a light side or accompaniment to grilled dishes.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: Asian Inspired

Keywords: Cucumber carrot salad, quick salad recipe, no-cook salad, spicy cucumber salad, vegetable salad, gochugaru salad, healthy side dish, easy salad